Rheumatology Physician Assistant

Rheumatology Physician Assistant - Wasilla, AK

The Rheumatology PA is responsible for practicing medicine with physician supervision including conducting examinations and writing prescriptions. Within the physician/physician assistant (PA) relationship, PAs exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. Practice is restricted to the Rheumatology department and may include responsibility for administrative duties and includes additional duties and parameters of specific individual contract and/or continuing education requirements.

OPA fosters a strong working and learning relationship with our physician assistants. We take a keen interest in our continued staff education and development. OPA leads the way in continued learning, including PA/physician mentorship, educational in-services and generous continuing education including CE leave.

Essential Functions

• Conduct physical exams, assesses health status, orders and interprets tests, prescribes medications, and treats illnesses and conditions including giving injections. Consults with physicians as needed and refers to physicians for more complicated medical cases.
• Monitor therapies and provides continuity of care.
• Triages patient calls and evaluates patient problems. Responds to emergencies including use of CPR.
• Counsel patient/family on preventive health care.
• Document patient information and care in medical record.
• Provides oversight as needed for infusion department

Competency

Knowledge

• Knowledge of medical model and roles of physicians and physician assistants. Familiar with anatomy.
• Knowledge of pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical medicine, and physical diagnosis.
• Knowledge of patient assessment techniques including taking medical histories, performing physicals, evaluating health status including state of wellness, and compliance with care recommendations.
• Knowledge of diagnosing and treating medical problems and developing care plans.
• Knowledge of documentation in medical records in confidential manner.

Skills

• Skill in gathering and analyzing physiological, socioeconomic, and emotional patient data.
• Skill in accurately evaluating patient problems in person or via phone and providing appropriate advice, intervention, or referral.
• Skill in developing/revising patient care plan based on patient status.

Abilities

• Ability to make responsible decisions within scope of practice.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with physicians on complicated cases.
• Ability to educate patients, families, and staff in user-friendly manner.
• Ability to demonstrate eyehand coordination, full range of motion, and manual dexterity.

Required qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree and successful completion of Physician Assistant Program.
• National certification as Physician Assistant. State PA license, and recertification required.
• CPR certification

Core Competencies

• Synergy: Through collaboration & continuation improvement
• Empathy: Through compassion & patient-centered care
• Integrity: Through trust & ethical accountability
• Optimization: Through operational efficiency

The mission of OrthoAlaska, Orthopedic Physicians Alaska division is to provide the finest orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care in North America through quality, patient-centered care. Each of our physicians and surgeons works in concert with a certified orthopedic surgical physician assistant and other staff to provide patients an individualized care-team experience. Currently, we have offices in Anchorage, Wasilla, and Eagle River.

Employees enjoy opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment and exposure to a full range of orthopedic care with orthopedic, injury walk-in, and rheumatology clinics, an imaging center, athletic training and physical, occupational and massage therapy.

OPA values quality, patient-centered care, personal fulfillment through continuous improvement, team development, and community service. We welcome applicants who embrace our same core values and possess a daily renewed attitude of excellence.

OPA benefits include health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, 401(k) and profit sharing, as well as paid time off.

OrthoAlaska is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, pregnancy, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected categories.